Wow, it’s 2015 already and the new RCR home team season is upon us. Just in case you missed it (and we will forgive you if you did, but just this once!), the Season Opener on December 13th was an edge-of-your-seat, eye-popping, and spine-tingling event. The High Rollers gambled and won against the Heartless Heathers in the first bout, and the Break Neck Betties held a commanding lead in the race against the Guns N’ Rollers in the second.

High Rollers 2015 Season opener, photo by Regularman

Heartless Heathers 2015 season opener, photo by SkippySteve

December also brought several exciting changes to our favorite home teams with the loss of some long-time skaters to retirement, the transfer of others to Travel Team only, and the gain of our newest Fresh Meat draftees. On Friday, December 5th, home teams gathered at the Oaks Park Hangar to welcome a total of 10 new skaters to their teams (including me!!!).

Once again, the High Rollers had no spots available and did not draft anyone. It will be interesting to see how this team plays this year with a solid, unchanging roster of players.

You can catch the next home team game on January 31st at 7pm when the Break Neck Betties take on the High Rollers. Also, on the 30th you can watch RCR Fresh Meat play the Gorge Roller Girls. Come see some of the newest draftees, and also future draftees prove they have what it takes. All in one amazing weekend! All the fun, all the excitement, and hopefully a few cat unitards. Yep, it’s roller derby.

(author mini bio: Carrie Go Round was recently drafted to the Break Neck Betties after an endless but extremely opportune year of training on Fresh Meat. The experience has been like a MasterCard commercial. )

One of our newest draftees, Double DLuxxx transferred here from Bend, Oregon. This strong and efficient blocker was smartly drafted by the Break Neck Betties.

How did you get your name? A friend’s boyfriend came up with my name.

What is your skating experience? I started skating January 2011 with Lava City Roller Dolls in Bend, OR. Before that, I hadn’t skated for 15 years.

What was the drafting process like? The drafting process was fun and nerve racking. There is a lot of uncertainty during the drafting process. Since I was a transfer skater, I didn’t get a chance to get to know the teams very well. I took the attitude of everything that happens is meant to be. The teams know what they are looking for.

DLuXXX

Any advice to FM skaters or those thinking about trying out? My biggest tip to FM skaters is to stay positive. Attitude is everything. If you believe you can’t or you can do something, you’re right. Also push yourself and bring intensity to EVERY practice.

Who in derby has influenced/motivated you? There are so many skaters that motivate and influence me. There are a few on Betties alone! Licker’s quickness motivates me to get faster. Nutz and Ripley’s communication inspires me to talk more on the track. Hurls and Push’s smart game play motivates me to get better at strategy and be a more effective player.

How do you feel about being on a team or what are you most excited about for the upcoming season? I’m excited to learn how to work with my new teammates and play some kick ass derby. I’m a huge fan of Crossfit. The Betties have an awesome sponsorship with CrossFit Excellence that I get to use.

See if DLuxxx can help bring her team to victory on January 31st against the High Rollers. 7pm at the Hangar. Get your tickets now!

The moment I watched that bout. I remember sitting there and I couldn’t keep my eyes off of the game. I was falling in love.

My heart was pounding the entire game. I turned to my husband and said: “I want to do this!” and he said: “So do it”. And of course I was like: “Do you think I can do it?” and he said: “I think you can do anything”.

What were your first experiences on skates?

I skated a tiny bit as a kid. But more recently, I took the Derby 101 class at Oaks Park. Ryan {my husband} went with me in support.

And oh man, it was hilarious. I was a baby deer. I left thinking how could I possible do this?! What have I gotten myself into?

Photo by Regularman

Who helped you or influenced you the most during the early days? Once I signed up for the Wreckers program the first step is always Derby 101. And my first coach was Wrathmatica. I remember the moment I met her and I will never for the rest of my life forget her. She was kind and patient. She expected us to apply what we were learning and to push ourselves. That was something I was looking for. Feliz Brutality was another one of my coaches in 101, I admired {and still do} how freely she moved with her skates on. Roarshock Tess, and Winnie the Pow were two of my first Wreckers coaches. Their smiles, positive energy, and clear communication were so incredibly important to me. And Minstrel Psycho. My derby mama. She always believed in me, and never held back in telling me that.

It was December 19th 2013. It was the first Christmas I was celebrating and I knew if I made it it would be the BEST Christmas present!

What was your experience like on Fresh Meat?

It’s so hard to find the right words. I was told it would be this huge competition, no camaraderie, you’d be fighting for a spot on home teams, and it’s all about politics. I went into Fresh Meat with a sincere determination to fall in love with my FM team. I wanted to love these women and be loved by them. I wanted to make this the best experience of my life. And that’s exactly what happened. I let the negative thoughts of those people wash away, and I just skated and bonded with these women. And I love them all so much. They helped me be a better me.

Any advice you would give to skaters thinking of trying out for Fresh Meat? DO IT!!! Just go. Give it your all, and don’t let anyone shape your experience for you. You make it what you want it to be.

What was draft day like for you?

Before or after? HAHA! My husband was incredible at keeping me as calm as one can be in this situation. He helped me focus on the positives even if I wasn’t drafted. And then I met up with my girls for Sushi. Couldn’t really eat. But beer helped! Being with my meaties really helped the nerves. Until the phones started going off… I was the first one to receive the message and to the surprise of no one I balled like a baby.

What makes you most excited about the upcoming season?

Working as a team. I was raised in a very strict religious household, I was never allowed to play any sports or be involved in extracurricular activities. So this has literally been a lifelong dream come true.

Who on your new team are you most excited to skate with?

Right, because I am going to pick one!! Each and every one of them has something to teach me, I just hope I have what they are looking for in a teammate, and something I can give them in return.

Photo by Regularman

Anything else that you would like to say.

I want to thank everyone who believed in me. Especially my husband. There were so many times that I wanted to stay home because I was tired, or because I missed spending time with him. And he knew the whole time that this was a dream of mine, and didn’t ever want to stand in the way of that. Without him I wouldn’t have made a home team. And that is something I am forever grateful for.

]]>http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/new-heathers-draft-story-johnson/feed/0New Heathers Draft: Sui Jennarishttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/new-heathers-draft-sui-jennaris/
http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/new-heathers-draft-sui-jennaris/#commentsSun, 12 Oct 2014 16:54:23 +0000Audzillahttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/?p=9590It’s time to get to know another member of the latest draft class.

Let me introduce Sui Jennaris.

Sui Jennaris, photo by Cap’n Harass

How did you choose that name?

Oh Lord, it was a f**king epic struggle. I had lists upon lists. I ended up going with that one because it ultimately felt the most right.

How did you first come to learn about derby?

When I first moved to Portland, I didn’t know a soul other than my roommates: Roller Eclipse and her girlfriend. They invited me to one of her bouts, which was my first introduction to derby.

What took you from fan to skater?

So when I went to that first bout of Eclipse’s, I was floored. It was a dramatic come-from-behind victory from GNR. I was over the moon. Her girlfriend looked at me, pointed at the Wreckers slide on the screen, and said, “You know, they have a recreational league.” And it was all downhill from there.

What were your first experiences on skates?

I went to an open skate at Oaks. My tummy hurt from clenching it. “Woah woah woah!” was my main expression.

Who helped you or influenced you the most during the early days?

Tyger Bomb was a constant, no-BS voice of reason and support. Roarshock Tessshowed me how short, bespectacled redheads are naturally the awesomest at derby. I watched Untamed Shrew a LOT, because she came from the same background as I did — figure skating. Every time I watch her skate, I learn something new. Mistress of the Knife was very helpful early on, and her technical skill is still an inspiration. And Nacho Lucky Day was one I watched, and still watch, because she’s a super role model for quiet, calm brilliance on the track, not to mention how she teaches a master-class in plowing each time she stops. Seriously. Go watch Nacho plow. I’ll wait. …SEE WHAT I MEAN?!

What was your experience like on Fresh Meat? Equal parts wicked hard and super fun.

Sui Jennaris, photo by Masonite Burn

Any advice you would give to skaters thinking of trying out for Fresh Meat?

Go to Wreckers. Ask for the 50LK. Build your endurance and skate, skate, skate. Go to Open Scrimmages and jam, even though every single second will be hell on Earth. Planks and squats are your friends — if you say that often enough, you’ll start to believe the lie.

But more important than any of that, in fact the most important thing, is GO TO ALL THE BOUTS. Go to every single one that you can. Watch and learn — do whatever you need to do to actually understand what’s going on. Yes, you can watch footage, and that’s fine. Mike Chexx is a f***ing amazing announcer (it’s a GD shame that he’s retiring), and you can learn a ton from his commentary. But actually going to the bouts allows you to be in the crowd and hear, um, other opinions. Maybe you agree, maybe you don’t, but decide in either case — think critically about what you’re watching. Or don’t do that, and do something else — but learn to comprehend and appreciate what’s going on. LEARN DERBY.

What was draft day like for you?

Nerve-wracking. I had a chem exam that same Friday, and I’d needed to study/prepare for it all week. Because I had to focus on that other thing, I couldn’t freak out about the draft as much as I probably would’ve otherwise. A blessing in disguise, really. But seriously, my levels of denial and avoidance were so profound as to be borderline magical thinking. When the chem exam was done (ugh, 83), I didn’t have an excuse anymore. I was so nervous. I was basically useless for the rest of the day. We all went out to sushi together and tried to eat and have fun while we all compulsively clock-watched and checked our phones. Then the texts started to come in. When I got mine…is there a word for relief/terror/excitement?

What makes you most excited about the upcoming season?

I’m ready for the next challenge, the next level of play and new obstacles. Higher expectations. I’m ready, and I’m determined to skate better than I ever have before. I’m super honored and privileged to be joining the Heathers on the track this season, and I’m excited to build trust and team identity with my new sisters.

…lol jk I’m just in it for the glitter helmet.

Who on your new team are you most excited to skate with?

I’m super mega ultra excited to skate with all my new Blue teammates, to build relationships and trust with them. I can’t wait to absorb what they have to teach me. I’m trying to be apolitical and not name names, but Knife’s an amazing skater and a fantastic coach, and I’m honored to have her instruction.

Anything else that you would like to say.

I would like to say HAAAIIIIII ALLLLTHHHHHEEEEAAAAA!!!! to the Heathers’ biggest fan. *waves* Also, this.

]]>http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/new-heathers-draft-sui-jennaris/feed/0New GNR Draft: Houndhttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/new-gnr-draft-hound/
http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/new-gnr-draft-hound/#commentsSat, 11 Oct 2014 22:00:18 +0000Audzillahttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/?p=9594It’s time to get to know another member of the latest draft class.

Let me introducetheHound of BadAsskervilles. Like her new GNR teammates, you can just call her Hound.

Photo by Regularman

How did you choose that name?
I love reading and I really love Victorian detective novels. When I started thinking about derby names, I immediately started thinking about Sherlock Holmes.

How did you first come to learn about derby?
Living in Portland, it’s just kind of around. I went to a few bouts with friends and was always so impressed and fascinated by it.

What took you from fan to skater?
A friend of mine really wanted to join Wreckers. I thought it sounded fun, so I bought some gear and went to orientation. She never ended up going, but I figured it would be a fun thing to try out. I never imagined how much it would take over my life!

What were your first experiences on skates?
Terrifying! Having wheels on your feet is a whole different thing. I was afraid to lift my foot over the little foam bumper thing around the track. Once I got a little more stable it felt like I was flying. I was hooked!

Who helped you or influenced you the most during the early days?
I think all of the awesome people on Wreckers. I defy you to find a more supportive, awesome, and encouraging group of women. It is super intimidating being in Wreckers when you’re just starting out. They are so good! But they are quick to welcome you immediately start encouraging you and pushing you to be better.

Photo by Regularman

What was your experience like on Fresh Meat?
Fresh Meat was a tough challenge for me. I have never done sports, so Fresh Meat was the first time I really had to deal with treating food as fuel and making sure I ate enough. It seems so simple, but it actually took me awhile to figure out I was tired all the time because I wasn’t eating right. It’s so important!
Mostly Fresh Meat was fun and challenging. It’s such an amazing group of people who show up to work hard and have fun. Everyone is so supportive of each other too, which was really nice.

Any advice you would give to skaters thinking of trying out for Fresh Meat?
DO IT!! That’s it. Just do it.

What makes you most excited about the upcoming season?
I know I will have a lot of work to do before I can expect to be on a roster, so for now I’m just really excited to get to know my team and start working to get as good as they are.

]]>http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/new-gnr-draft-hound/feed/0Charleston Bound: Wheels of Justice Roll to Playoffshttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/charleston-playoffs/
http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/charleston-playoffs/#commentsSun, 28 Sep 2014 20:55:00 +0000Frisky Sourhttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/?p=9438Portland, do you know what you have on your hands?

Not only are the Rose City Rollers a super fun non-profit organization, but they’re also home to one of the best roller derby teams in the world. The Wheels of Justice, Rose City’s All-Star team, are ranked #4 in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), and they’re headed to playoffs.

Before you stands a team. Photo by Skippy Steve.

How do Playoffs work?
There are four playoff tournaments, and teams are invited and seeded according to their WFTDA ranking. Stick with us here. Because the Wheels of Justice are ranked #4 overall, they’re a #1 seed going into this weekend tournament. WOJ dukes it out, and if they’re one of the top three teams coming out of this tournament, they join the other winners at Championships in a month.

Does it matter if they win the playoff, or do they just need to be one of the top three teams?
Whoa whoa, let’s not put the cart before the pegacorn here, but it does help to win your playoff weekend. You get better seeding at Championships that way. *knock on wood*

Who’s the big competition at this playoff?
Victorian Roller Derby is a Australian juggernaut. WOJ beat them handily at home last year, but a year does make a difference. WOJ also beat the Philly Roller Girls earlier this spring, but this Philly team is known for peaking at tournament season and excelling under pressure.

The four and five seeds for this tournament have Championship experience, so don’t count anyone out.

OH NO WHAT HAPPENS IF WE LOSE?
Rose City gets a bye in the first round. If they lose their first game? Hello consolation bracket, goodbye Championships. If they lose their second game, they still get a chance to play for third place and a chance at Championships. Now calm down and check out this bracket, sports fan.

Can I watch?
Sure, of course! You can purchase a pass on WFTDA.tv to watch the weekend’s games online, or come hang out with us at one of our super cool watch parties.

Watch party?! Tell me more!
Details are still TBD, but we’ll probably have a low-key BYO-snack-type watch party on the big screen at The Hangar. Games are early due to the three-hour time difference. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and fan forum, and we’ll let you know the details as they’re sussed out.

What else do I need to know?
Wear purple, and prepare to do a lot of cheering.

What do we want? JUSTICE!When do we want it? NOW!

Fun AND fearless. Photo by Skippy Steve.

WRITTEN BY FRISKY SOUR

]]>http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/charleston-playoffs/feed/0Welcome the Newest Draft Classhttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/welcome-the-newest-draft-class/
http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/welcome-the-newest-draft-class/#commentsSat, 27 Sep 2014 23:45:33 +0000slamroxhttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/?p=9520On Friday, September 26, the RCR community gathered at one of its newest sponsors — Buffalo Wild Wings — to find out which members of Fresh Meat were being welcomed onto home teams. With the home team opener than usual this year, expectations were that this was going to an exciting draft. And boy was it!

Six draftees went to three different teams.

The High Rollers had no open spots available due to the recent return of Heidi Go Seek. Fortunately, that did not mean we would have to miss out on the magic of Bad Wolf in a cat unitard.

How did you choose that name? As a political science major (and current law student), it just made sense.

How did you first come to learn about derby? I saw Whip It and just knew I had to give derby a try, as impossible as it seemed for me at the time. Little did I know I would still be going strong four years later!

What took you from fan to skater? During my last year of high school I went to all of the Ft. Myers Derby Girls bouts (my hometown league) and got hooked even further. I figured that the only thing more fun than watching derby would be playing it! By the time I started college and was eligible to start skating with my former league, the Bradentucky Bombers, I knew I was ready.

What were your first experiences on skates? I had skated maybe a couple times on my mom’s ancient pair of quads, when I was very young. I distinctly remember the first time I put on my very own pair of R3s at age 18 and struggled to even stand up! I had to learn how to skate as an adult, and it was definitely not easy. I’m not ashamed to admit that a ref once told me that I was like Bambi on skates when I first started bouting! I’m still learning at every practice.

Who helped you or influenced you the most during the early days? I was completely amazed by so many of my future teammates on the Bradentucky Bombers. Well before I knew who Suzy Hotrod was, I was blown away by how fast Crash Test Barbie could skate (now also on the Ft. Myers team) and with how little effort Blaque Jac (now on Tampa) could deliver devastating hits. It took serious effort for me to even stay on my feet then, but I continue to admire what these ladies can do on the track.

When did you tryout for Fresh Meat? I transferred to Fresh Meat just a few days after moving to Portland this past July.

What was your experience like on Fresh Meat? It was definitely challenging! It was great to be coached by so many talented skaters, and scrimmaging with and against them was an awesome introduction to the level I’m striving to play at now. Although I’ve been playing derby for years, skating with a WFTDA league of this caliber is a completely different animal and I love the continual challenge it provides me.

Any advice you would give to skaters thinking of trying out for Fresh Meat? Do it!!! Be prepared to work hard and devote a lot of time to derby, but if you want it badly enough, it shall be yours. (Editor’s Note: Tryouts are this Friday!)

What was draft day like for you? The week leading up to it was so anxiety-ridden, but the day of I really just prepared myself mentally for rejection. I had zero expectations of getting drafted so soon after transferring, so it was nice to finally breathe that sigh of relief and acknowledge that my hard work had paid off. It was much more nerve-wracking waiting to hear which team I would be on!

What makes you most excited about the upcoming season? Just practicing with the Betties will be amazing! I can’t wait to see my team repeat their success from last season, and hopefully be a part of it. I have so much to improve on that getting rostered is a far-off dream, but the prospect of skating in my first WFTDA bout is too exciting for words.

Who on your new team are you most excited to skate with? Scylla Devourer. Not only do our names rhyme, but she gave me feedback on blocking at Derby Daze this summer, and it’s insane to think that she’s now my teammate! I’m going to learn a lot in my futile attempts to get past her.

]]>http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/welcome-the-newest-draft-class/feed/0Meet Mike Wade: WOJ Coachhttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/meet-mike-wade-woj-coach/
http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/meet-mike-wade-woj-coach/#commentsSat, 27 Sep 2014 21:41:27 +0000slamroxhttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/?p=9464Wheels of Justice is vigorously getting ready for their chance in the Division 1 WFTDA playoffs. Rose City Rollers Wheels of Justice are the number 1 seed for the bracket in Charleston West Virginia, taking place October 3-5.

Mike Wade has been charged with coaching the top talent or Rose City Rollers and preparing them for this annual event. Let’s spend a moment and get to know this new coach and see what has been taking place in his preparations.

Photo by Skippy Steve.

Can you give a brief synopsis of your skating experience?I grew up playing hockey in Cleveland, Ohio, and can say most of my life has been on skates. The weather is rough back home, so for 8 months you are either a bowler or a skater.

I first started skating for the St. Louis Gatekeepers 2010 until I moved to Portland in June 2013. In that time we were ranked #1 twice and never fell below #4. Coming in 2nd place in the MRDA Championships in 2012 losing by 1 point in the final jam.

I currently skate for Portland’s Bridgetown Menace (Ranked #5).

What is your background with coaching WOJ?
I first got into Roller Derby in 2009 watching Burning River Roller Girls in Cleveland, Ohio. Later moving to St. Louis, Missouri, I started refereeing for Arch Rival Roller girls from 2010-2011 and 2013. I spent 2012 as a bench coach for one of their local teams the M-80’s, who won the championship that year. I also started playing for the St. Louis Gatekeepers men’s team from 2010-2013. I have been a student of the game since the first whistle of the first jam I saw.

What do you believe is the greatest strength of Wheels of Justice?
I think the greatest strength of WOJ is the fact that each and every player is playing for the name on the front of their jersey, not the name on the back. We have a unique team here. The mentality of each player is that every thing they do at practice and every achievement reached is for the betterment of the team. They push themselves to be the best skaters and teammates possible each and every practice. This team has never hit a plateau because they are always setting and reaching new goals.

Who are the most improved skaters on the team?
I would like to give a lot of credit to Tess Yinger. She has been an absolute delight to coach. She set a goal early in the season to work her way up from AOA to Wheels and she not only did this, but she was voted MVP for the bout against Rat City.

Photo by Regularman.

Who is the skater that surprised you most?
I would say Loren Mutch has surprised me the most, and still does. She really pushes the envelope every time she is on skates. Its kind of funny, I’ll go over and tell her she did an awesome job at something, and she gives me this look and sighs and says she can do it better. I’ll be honest, sometimes I think to myself “yeah right, not possible” and the very next lap around she somehow does it. You hear a lot of the Bonnie Thunders in the roller derby world, put money on this, the derby universe is all going to know Loren Mutch by the end of playoffs.

Do you have a game plan that you work from jam-to jam, or is it really per sequence of jams?
Our game plan is pretty consistent the whole game. Our blockers know our jammers, know what they like, what works for them and where they have some difficulties and we all work together to put everyone in the best situation. We work hard to understand all types of scenarios that might present themselves at any given time so we can quickly react. We go out to win every jam, so you can say we work jam to jam.

Do you spend time scouting other teams and skaters that you will face in playoffs?
This could honestly be considered a second full time job for everyone on this team. The more you know about a team and the tendencies of their players the better.

Are there any opponent skaters or teams that you expect to challenge WOJ?
I fully expect the road to winning the Hydra to be difficult. All the teams we will be matched up against have been putting in long hours, sacrificing time with friends and family and pushing themselves just as hard as we have, so we expect each and every team to be giving us their all. We expect to give everything we have too. You can’t just show up, you have to perform.

What do you contribute most to WOJ?
What I hope I have contributed is confidence in each and every player and I hope they know I believe in each and every one of them as we go into playoffs.

Photo by Skippy Steve.

What has been the most rewarding part of coaching WOJ?
The most rewarding part of coaching WOJ, is simply that I get to be a part of something absolutely amazing. I get a front row seat to watch these amazing athletes surpass goals, triumph over challenges and take the track and leave the track as a team.

What has been the most challenging part of coaching WOJ?
I think the most challenging part of coaching WOJ is continuing to find new challenges and goals for the team. Sometimes I think we might need to spend an entire 2 hour practice on something, and they have it down in 20 minutes.

WRITTEN BY TYSON LEGGATE

]]>http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/meet-mike-wade-woj-coach/feed/0Draft Spotlight: McGillycuttyhttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/draft-spotlight-mcgillycutty/
http://www.rosecityrollers.com/2014/draft-spotlight-mcgillycutty/#commentsTue, 26 Aug 2014 15:15:36 +0000dlbuccieri@gmail.comhttp://www.rosecityrollers.com/?p=9288First we met Jess in the Box. Then we met Sweet Jane. Now with another home team draft right around the corner, we are proud to introduce McGillycutty, who was drafted by the High Rollers last spring.

Rose City Rollers is fortunate to have an abundance of hardworking, homegrown skaters, including the aforementioned draftee McGillycutty! Roller derby is not easy. Not even a little bit. Most derby players, even our travel team heroes, did not show up knowing how to skate, block, juke, and jam. Everyone started somewhere, and for many involved with the Rose City Rollers, their first time skating (or struggling to stay on their feet rather) was at Oaks Park in a Derby 101 class. After months, even years, of practicing and perhaps a zealous obsession with derby, they finally make Fresh Meat. After even more maniacal discipline and devotion to skating, they get drafted to a home team at long last.

Gillian Bayless Brimberry, aka McGillycutty, is a prime example of this ardent dedication, jumping from Derby 101 at Oaks Park to High Rollers in 2 years. In addition to being a featured skater, Gilly is a mother of two, wife, and full-­time interior designer. In addition to her busy personal life and her awesome blocking skills on the track, she also has taken an active role in the league serving as Wreckers communications admin, RCR mascot, Fresh Meat co-­captain, and now tackles sponsorship for the High Rollers; no wonder they drafted her! I asked Gilly to share with us some of her insight, experiences with RCR, and what it’s like being drafted to a home team.

GoGo: What is your history with RCR and/or skating experience?

Gilly: I took a drop-­in class at Oaks Park with VaVa Boom and Next of Ken out of pure curiosity and they had me hooked – I’ve never looked back. At their suggestion, I joined RCR Wreckers in late May 2012 back before we had 101. Previously, I hadn’t been on 8 wheels since junior high!

GoGo: What was the drafting process like? What do you feel was the biggest challenge?

Gilly: I really loved my time on Fresh Meat. The program gives you access to so many amazing skaters as coaches and teachers! They get you scrimmaging right away and work you up to skating with all the teams. I was surprised how much each team’s process, style and personality differed when visiting their practices and benches. Rotating through the team’s practices is really invaluable! Drafting when on Fresh Meat feels like such a mystery. It is and it isn’t. Girls bust out spreadsheets over how many spots are open, what teams are looking for, who they’re looking at, “what team do you want to be on”, etc. But in the end it’s wasted energy. Teams draft for all kinds of reasons (skills, position, needs, attitude, etc) so try to trust your soon-­to-­be captains through the process and just hold the hand of the Fresh Meat girl next to you when the draft results come in. In Fresh Meat, I think the biggest challenges are the ones you put on yourself. Switching your mindset from “I’m not good at…” or “I’m not a jammer”, etc. to “I’m working on…” can make a huge difference. It also shows you are ­aware of your challenges and working on your progress!

GoGo: How do you feel now that you are on a team?

Gilly: Elated. Excited. Nervous. Relieved. At home.

GoGo: What kind of advice would you give to those thinking about trying out for Fresh Meat?

Gilly: To remember that everyone’s derby journey is different. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others, especially in Fresh Meat, but it’s more than just a good (insert your most challenging skill here) that will earn you a spot on a home team. One drill or skill won’t break you at tryouts. Remember to breathe and smile during those tryouts – derby is fun.

GoGo: Is there anyone in derby who you admire or who has helped motivate you? And/or what kept you motivated through your FM/draft experience?

Gilly: Too many to name! Our dedicated Wreckers’ coaches really helped light my fire to progress and the Wreckers’ skaters gave me my love for the sport and the derby community. The home team skaters were so welcoming and fun on the bench; they confirmed it was worth the work and dedication.

The High Rollers will be playing Eugene’s Emerald City All-Stars at 8:00pm on Friday, September 12th at The Hangar at Oaks Park (and if you love us, you’ll buy some tickets). Gilly will be sitting this one out due to an injury, she will be present in full HRMF regalia to cheer on her teammates. Be there! Go Gang Green!

Written by Carrie Go Round

GoGo is currently on Fresh Meat and beginning to hyperventilate about the upcoming draft. She will be holding hands tightly with all her Fresh Meat friends on September 26th.